Hanger clip

ABSTRACT

The hanger device for supporting articles has a generally elongated one-piece plastic body with a central flexible hinge separating two end portions which are folded onto one another in use. Each of the end portions includes a plurality of longitudinally extending raised ribs or ridges in staggered arrangement so as to fit between one another when folded. The outer edge of one end portion includes parts which cooperate with parts on the other end portion for securing the same in folded relation. In another version, a one-piece body which first and second portions is interconnected by a flexible hinge enabling the two portions to be folded onto one another. The facing surface of one of the portions has a plurality of raised ribs or projections and the facing surface of the other portion has an equal number of openings registering with the ribs or projections such that when folded each rib or projection passes through an associated opening.

States Solari atent 1 1 1 1 Sept. 4, 1973 1 HANGER CLIP [76] Inventor: Ray L. Solari, 10679 Holman Ave.,

Los Angeles, Calif. 90024 [22] Filed: Dec. 15, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 208,360

[52] US. Cl. 24/84 13, 24/16 PB, 24/84 H,

24/255 SL [51] Int. Cl A44b-l7/00 [58] Field .of Search 24/84 R, 84 B, 84 H,

24/255 GP, 255 BC, 255 SL, 255 G, 255 TH, 259 CC, 248 CC, 248 SL, 243 GC, 16 PB, 30.5 P, 260; 223/DIG. l, 87; 132/48 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,818,871 1/1958 Beaudry 24/16 PB 2,855,649 10/1958 Kanter 223/87 2,332,772 10/1943 Amer 24/84 R 3,315,324 4/1967 Ward 24/16 PB 1,962,851 6/1934 Wiseman 24/260 3,041,696 7/1962 Ferri 24/84 H 3,329,386 7, 967 Rosen 223/87 3,412,739 11/1968 Thatcher 24/248 SL FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 453,359 9/1936 Great Britain 24/260 Primary ExaminerFrancis K. Z'ugel Assistant Examiner-Darrell Marquette Attorney-George J. Netter et al.

57 ABsTRAcr The hanger device for supporting articles has a generally elongated one-piece plastic body with a central flexible hinge separating two end portions which are folded onto one' another in use. Each of the end portions includes a plurality of longitudinally extending raised ribs or ridges in staggered arrangement so as to fit between one another when folded. The outer edge of one end portion includes parts which cooperate with parts on the other end portion for securing the same in folded relation.

in another version, a one-piece body which first and second portions is interconnected by a flexible hinge enabling the two portions to be folded onto one another. The facing surface of one of the portions has a plurality of raised ribs or projections and the facing surface of the other portion has an equal number of openings registering with the ribs or projections such that when folded each rib or projection passes through an associated opening.

6 Claims, 13 Drawing Figures Patented Sept. 4, 1973 3,755,859

2 Sheets-Sheet 1 III/Ill Patented Sept. 4, 1973 3,755,859

2 Sheets-Sheet 2 HANGER our OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In making the present invention, it is a principal aim and object to provide a hanger clip for use with a variety of different products, which clip can be fabricated or a plastic material in a single molding operation. It is also a desideratum of the invention to provide a molded plastic hanger clip which is inexpensive and simple to manufacture, and efficient in operation. As a further object and aim, the hanger clip clampingly engages an article in a secure manner without damaging or marking the article.

In accordance with one form of the invention, a hanger device for supporting articles includes a generally elongated one-piece plastic body having a central flexible hinge portion separating two end portions which are folded onto one another in use. Each of the end portions includes a plurality of longitudinally extending raised ribs or ridges which, when the two end portions are folded onto each other, are in staggered arrangement so as to fit between one another. The

outer edge of one end portion includes parts which, when the portions are folded against one another, cooperate with parts on the other end portion for securing the same in folded relation.

Another form of the invention includes a one-piece body which first and second portions interconnected by a flexible hinge enabling the two portions to be folded onto one another. The facing surface of one of the portions has a plurality of raised ribs or projections and the facing surface of the other portion has an equal number of openings registering with the ribs or projections such that when folded each rib or projection passes through an associated opening.

In use, the flat hanger clip of either version receives the article onto the ribs or projections and the different portions are folded onto each other about the flexible hinge, securing the clip in folded relation onto the'article. A hook is provided for hanging the clip and article from a suitable means.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the hanger clip of the invention shown displaying a textile article.

FIG. 2 is a view of the hanger clip of this invention in extended position with the article engaging surfaces exposed.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the hanger clip of FIG. 2, taken with the clip in closed relation.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the hanger clip of FIG. 3 taken along the lines 4-4.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged, sectional, elevational view showing a modified form of the hanger clip ribs.

FIG. 6 is a further embodiment of the invention showing a modified securing means.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged, sectional, partially fragmentary view of the connection means of the embodiment of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a depiction of an alternate form of the invention shown in extended position with the article engaging surfaces laid open to view.

FIG. 9 is an elevational view of the clip of FIG. 8 in closed relation.

FIG. 10 is a sectional elevational view taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 9.

FIG. 1 1 illustrates a still further form of the invention in open relation.

FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 11, taken with the clip closed.

FIG. 13 is an elevational sectional view taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 12.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT With reference now to the drawings and particularly FIG. 1, the hanger clip of the invention, identified generally by the reference numeral 10, is seen to include a hook 11 permitting hanging receipt upon a rodlike standard 12, for example. In a way that will be more particularly described below, the hanger clip 141 clampingly engages one or more articles 13 for hanging use or display.

Turning now to FIG. 2, the hanger clip 11) is depicted in its open position and is seen to comprise a one-piece flat, generally sheetlike construction which, in preferred form, is constructed of a molded plastic such as polyethylene. The clip has first and second elongated portions 14 and 15 integrally joined together along a side edge by a flexible hinge 16. The two end portions are somewhat trapezoidal in shape and substantially the same size (15 being slightly broader than 14) such that when folded together they are in registry.

The hook 11 is an integral molded part of end portions 15 that extends from the top edge. One end of the hook is spaced from the end portion as at 17 and is sufficiently flexible to allow for any needed deformation to enable receipt onto a hanger rod if endwise receipt through the hook opening 18 is not feasible.

Each of the surfaces of end portions 14 and 15 that face one another when folded are provided with a plurality of transversely extending raised ridges or ribs 19. The set of ridges on end portion 14 are offset or staggered with respect to those on end portion 15, such that when the clip is folded the ridges of the two end portions lie between one another and do not conflict or obstruct one another. This latter arrangement is best seen in FIGS. 4 and 5.

With reference now to both FIGS. 2 and 3, each ridge or rib 19 has a generally rectangular cross-section with a generally flat outwardly directed surface 2%. Additionally, as is most easily seen in FIG. 3, each ridge has a first outer part 21 of substantially constant height and a second part 22 more closely adjacent the hinge 16 of a substantially constant height that is less than that of the first part. By having the rib part adjacent the hinge of lower height, when the two end portions are folded onto one another (FIG. 3) the overall spacing of the outer surface of the ribs from the corresponding facing surface of the opposing end portion is maintained substantially uniform. That is, the width of the hinge 16 slightly exceeds the two end portion base thicknesses such that when the end portions are folded together the upper surface of the inner part 22 would fulcrum against the opposing surface if it were the same height as 21. As will be described, the uniform spacing of the ribs from the opposing end portion surface is important in providing equal clamping or gripping force on the article 13.

The outer side edge of end portion 14 includes an upstanding clasp 23 extending away from the end portion surface in the same direction as the ridges 19. The terminus of the clasp is formed into a hook 241 for receipt through an opening 25 in end portion 15 lockingly engaging the opening side wall when closed (FIG. 3).

In use, the article to be displayed or hung by the hanger clip is laid across the ridges 19 of one, or both, the end portions 14 and 15, and usually, although not necessarily, free of the clasp 23 and opening 25. The end portions 14 and are then folded onto one another and the hook 241 locked within the opening 25 as shown in FIG. 3 which clampingly engages the articles therebetween. More particularly, as can be most easily determined from FIG. 4, the article is gripped by each rib 19, wedging the article within the space between an adjacent pair of ribs on the opposite end portion to provide secure retention of the article. The clip and retained article can now be hung on a standard 12 or other suitable means.

Since the part 22 of the ridges does not extend outwardly above the end portion surface as 21, this permits the ridges to grip the article with a relatively evenly distributed force over the complete ridge length. On the other hand, if the ridges were all of the same height there would be a tendency for the article to be gripped tightly adjacent the hinge and progressively less tightly moving away from the hinge and perhaps allowing the article to be only held by a small portion which could promote tearing, for example.

FIG. 5 depicts a modified form of the invention in which the outwardly directed surfaces of the ridges or ribs 19 include "a plurality of small projections 26 of generally circular geometry spaced along the ridges which assist in the frictional gripping of the article. in practice, the projections 26 are preferably molded at the time of original construction of the hanger clip.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show a further form of the invention having a modified locking or securing means. In this version, a clasp 27 is a molded part of the end portion 15 and extends generally in the same plane thereof with the hook 28 facing toward the outside of the clip. The

outer edge of end portion M includes a flexible C- shaped member 2Q, the ends of which are molded integrally with the end portion outer edge. When the clip is closed the member 29 is received onto the clasp 27 with the clasp hook engaging the member and therby securing the two end portions together. For removal, the outer ends of the end portions may be compressed closer together, freeing the hook from the member 29, and allowing the member to be taken off the clasp.

A further version of this invention shown in FIG. t5 comprises a one-piece plastic construction in which a pair of generally fiat, sheetlike members 30 and 31, joined at an edge by a flexible hinge 32, are folded onto one another for gripping an article in a manner similar to that of the aforedescribed embodiments. The member 30 has a pair of upstanding, elongated ribs 33 of generally rectangular cross-section which extend transversely of the member. A pair of openings 34 in the member 31 are so located that when the two members are folded together the ribs 33 are received within the respective openings (FIGS. 9 and 10). A hooklike clasp 35 is lockingly engaged within an opening 36 in the same manner as the hook 24 mates within the opening 25 in the already described embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3.

In practice, an article to be hung by the clip is placed on the clip members and the members folded together locking the clasp 35 within the opening 3%. The article is then firmly clenched by the ribs forcing portions of the article through the openings 34 (FIG. 10). A clip of this construction is easily and quickly, but firmly, secured to even very thin plastic sheeting.

FIGS. 11-13 illustrate another form of the invention in which, as distinguished from the previously described versions, the parts to be folded onto one another are hinged at a common upper edge. That is, the clip comprises a first part 37 with a hook 38 integral therewith and a second part 39 of similar geometry is connected to the first part by a flexible hinge 40. As shown in FIG. 11 when the clip is open the part 39 lays against the hook 38. A clasp and hook assembly 41, similar to the previously described versions is provided along the lower edge margins of the parts. It is to be particularly noted that the clasp and hook assembly also serves to grip and hold an article to be hung for use or display by the clip.

What is claimed is:

1. A hanger clip, comprising: 1

a one-piece, generally flat, elongated molded plastic strip having first and second end portions interconnected by a relatively thin flexible hinge;

each end portion including a plurality of spaced generally longitudinally extending ridges, said ridges being located on the same side of said strip and so arranged that when the end portions are folded together about the flexible hinge the ridges of the first and second end portions are in obstructionfree relation to each other, each of said ridges including a part thereof adjacent the hinge extending outwardly from said end portion a first amount and a further part thereof extending outwardly from said end portion an amount greater than said first amount;

one of said end portions including a hook integrally formed therewith; and

said first and second end portions including cooperating parts for disengagably securing said portions together when said portions are folded together.

2. A hanger clip as in claim 1, in which the outwardly directed surface of each ridge includes a plurality of mutually spaced projections thereon.

3. A hanger clip as in claim 1, in which said cooperating portions include a clasp on one portion and an opening on the other portion for receiving the clasp therein.

4. A hanger clip as in claim 3, in which said clasp includes a hook which is passed through said opening and lockingly engages the walls defining said opening when said clip is closed.

5. A hanger clip as in claim 1, in which said cooperating portions include a clasp hook on the edge margin of one of said end portions extending upwardly from said portion in the same direction as the ridges thereon, and said other end portion including an opening dimensioned to receive said clasp hook therethrough when said clip is closed.

6. A hanger clip as in claim 1, in which said cooperating portions include a hook member on one portion and a suitably dimensioned opening in said other portion for receiving said hook therein, said hook lockingly engaging wall portions defining said opening. 

1. A hanger clip, comprising: a one-piece, generally flat, elongated molded plastic strip having first and second end portions interconnected by a relatively thin flexible hinge; each end portion including a plurality of spaced generally longitudinally extending ridges, said ridges being located on the same side of said strip and so arranged that when the end portions are folded together about the flexible hinge the ridges of the first and second end portions are in obstructionfree relation to each other, each of said ridges including a part thereof adjacent the hinge extending outwardly from said end portion a first amount and a further part thereof extending outwardly from said end portion an amount greater than said first amount; one of said end portions including a hook integrally formed therewith; and said first and second end portions including cooperating parts for disengagably securing said portions together when said portions are folded together.
 2. A hanger clip as in claim 1, in which the outwardly directed surface of each ridge includes a plurality of mutually spaced projections thereon.
 3. A hanger clip as in claim 1, in which said cooperating portions include a clasp on one portion and an opening on the other portion for receiving the clasp therein.
 4. A hanger clip as in claim 3, in which said clasp includes a hook which is passed through said opening and lockingly engages the walls defining said opening when said clip is closed.
 5. A hanger clip as in claim 1, in which said cooperating portions include a clasp hook on the edge margin of one of said end portions extending upwardly from said portion in the same direction as the ridges thereon, and said other end portion including an opening dimensioned to receive said clasp hook therethrough when said clip is closed.
 6. A hanger clip as in claim 1, in which said cooperating portions include a hook member on one portion and a suitably dimensioned opening in said other portion for receiving said hook therein, said hook lockingly engaging wall portions defining said opening. 